Btwin Triban 3 - female friendly?

My girlfriend also had this bike but couldn't get on with the fit and so sold it and bought a Cube instead. Similar complaint that even with a shorter stem, for the right fit in the legs, the frame was too long in the end. Couple that with brakes that couldn't take shims to bring the lever closer to the bars, she never felt truly comfortable and worse felt unsafe on the downhills as she couldn't hold the brakes enough for peace of mind so it was sold on. If you can get it to fit then it's a great value bike so best to try for size in store.

What do you mean by 'good'?

If you can get it in your size, you can make it fit perfectly fine - women's body geometry isn't really that different to men on a bike - or at least not more different than the ranges between other men! You may want to change handlebar width or stem length, but this isn't a female specific thing - it's just personal to each individual. If you have small hands, you can get shims to bring the levers in closer.

If you mean comfort, it's the contact points that matter the most - namely the saddle. Most people change to their seat of choice after buying a new bike anyway, so think about getting a female specific one that works for you. I personally can't ride on men's saddles for even 30mins, but you might find the stock saddle fine.

Again - the important thing is to get it in the correct frame size. 'Female specific' bikes really don't offer much unless you require an unusually small size, appreciate having a women's saddle thrown in with the bike, maybe slightly narrower bars, and have a penchant for light, pastel colours and flowers.

See this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQrYpiAxpe8

I tried to set up a Carrera TdF for the wife (which is also now for sale) as she said the same thing. That was even after trying a shorter stem and women's specific saddle I had in stock.

She has sat on a Spesh Dolce and found that spot on. That said, she is more comfy on her mtb and so has given road biking a break for now!

My wife (5'4", riding a 51cm) just sold hers. Too aggressive a riding position for her, even with the stem flipped. She's going for a more relaxed touring fit. That said, if you want a low-cost (<£400) racer, they are the best choice out there, hands-down.